HOME SHOWS

What Was Studio 55 Marin Like?


Wonderful Acoustic Performers

We averaged about 2 shows per month, which allowed us to specialize in presenting great acoustic performers, especially those on tour, like celtic from Scotland or Ireland, bands, old time American bands, and bluegrass bands.


Great Sound System, and Amazing Sound

Audience members and performers noticed how amazing our sound was. I did try to get all very high quality equipment, but there was also a lot of luck that the room just worked out great.


Performances Were Recorded on Multiple Tracks, and Videotaped

All shows at Studio 55 Marin were recorded on our JoeCo recorder. This wonderful machine recorded every mixing board input on a separate track onto a USB thumb drive. This included all microphones and all direct inputs (DI's). After the show, the performers were sent a copy of the complete recording. We have also kept copies. All shows were also videotaped in High Defintion. Our camera was at a fixed position at the sound booth, and set to show all performers on the stage. Copies of these videos were sent to the performers, and all kept in our archives.


Trust Tickets

We invented a unique way of reserving tickets, called "Trust Tickets." Our customers would reserve tickets with absolute promises to show up and buy the tickets at the door. We described this as buying tickets with an "IOU." About 98% of the time, they followed through. If you trust people, usually they are trustworthy.


Moveable Piano Stage

I invented a great solution for moving the grand piano around. We built a platform on wheels that was the exact same height as the stage. The piano usually was on this platform. It could be set up next to the stage, as a stage extension. Or the piano could be rolled off onto the stage, and then the platform rolled out of the way.



Main Sound Equipment

  • Soundcraft GB4 32 console
  • JoeCo BBR1B Black Box Recorder
  • Klark Teknik SQ1D compressor/limiter
  • Lexicon MX200 Processor
  • Lexicon MX400XL Processor
  • 2 Renkus Heinz PN12 powered main speakers
  • 2 Renkus Heinz CF15S powered sub-woofers
  • Klark Teknik DN360 two channel EQ (for mains)
  • 5 Radian Apex-1200D stage monitor speakers
  • 2 QSC PLX2502 2-channel amplifiers (for stage monitors)
  • 2 Rane ME60s 2-channel graphic EQ (for stage monitors)
  • Tascam CD/IPod deck

Microphones and Direct Inputs (DI's)

  • 6 Shure SM58
  • 5 Shure SM57
  • 4 Shure SM81
  • 2 Shure Beta 87C
  • 1 Shure Beta 57A
  • 1 Electro-Voice Re320
  • 1 AKG D 112
  • 2 AKG C 535 EB
  • 2 Countryman ISOMAX 2
  • 3 Sennheiser e604
  • 1 Audio-Technica AT4033/CL
  • 2 LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI (direct box)
  • 4 Radial J48 DI (direct box)